Single entry to Oktoberfest. Hints and tips?

When did they start requiring tickets for tent entry? Any time I've gone I've walked in. Finding a seat at a table (you have to be seated to buy a beer) wasn't always easy, but as you say -- go early and you can beat the crowds.

@Domingo or @grantcty -- have you heard about ticket entry?

Also @herrburgess -- I know you went last year with a group who had a corporate Stammtisch, but the regular guy doesn't need to buy a ticket, does he?

 

Fun fact, I've never been to Oktoberfest. I don't really know much about the logistics, either. I wouldn't mind going, but normally Munich is a trip where I like to relax and plan as little as possible.

 

Well, that's sort of my point -- no plan, just walk to the Fest in the morning, find seats with the group, spend the day.

 

Things may have changed in recent years, but I haven't heard of anything.

Are you sure you aren't thinking of Starkbierzeit? You need a ticket and table reservation for the venue you want to visit for that festival, but the festivities take place at different, brewery-owned bierhalls around Munich.

 

Like @Domingo, I too have never been to Oktoberfest. I've been to the Wies'n but it was in early August (many years ago) and I just wanted to see the grounds. They were already beginning to assemble/construct the 'tents.'

Here's the official website for Oktoberfest: https://www.oktoberfest.de/en No mention of tickets needed for entry.

 

But speak to your Starkbierzeit experience, if you would.

 

Oktoberfest is not a ticketed event. You can enter any tent that isn’t at capacity. If a tent is at capacity, then a line forms to get in. If you reserve a table, it guarantees you can get in. The catch is you have to reserve a table for 8 or 10 people, and you have to prepay for 2 beers and 1 chicken for each person. You get coupons for these items.

Just go earlier in the day, or go on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. You shouldn’t have any problem getting into a tent. If it’s raining though, that could change things a bit, because everyone wants to be inside. But still not impossible.

 

Here is a quick read and chart showing how crowded the fest is at various times and days…

https://www.oktoberfest.de/informat...t-fuers-oktoberfest-das-oktoberfest-barometer

 

Travelling with two people shouldn't be a problem at all. There will almost always be two seats at a table, great way to meet people too.

Just my two cents, but if you're going all day, take a bit of time to walk around. Lots of neat food stands and things to explore. The tents don't really get going until 11am ish and as mentioned you shouldn't have a problem finding seats.

Each tent has it's own quirks and specialties, but IIRC the Aussies generally flood to the Loewenbraeu tent.

 

This is the good part about going in a group -- you get room at a table and one or two take turns running out for food or souvenirs.

While others may fill the table, you can always keep room for one or two.

 

This is the least fun Fun Fact I've ever heard.

@AzfromOz it really depends on your goals. I went by myself on a weekday afternoon, got in and sat with no issues, had a beer, walked around, had another beer at a different tent and went home. it was a nice day, it wasn't the full experience but I was fine with that

 

I prefer Oktoberfest after 2 or 3pm, extending into the evening hours. It’s louder, livelier, more dancing and more singing by a greater percentage of people. So awesome to see thousands of people up on the benches having a blast. I also like being on the main floor area as opposed to the outer boxes or balconies. The outer boxes and balconies just aren’t as fun.
Last September 28, a Wednesday, we stopped in at the Schützenfestzelt (good Löwebräu beer) at 2pm. It was already rocking and heaving big time! Had to leave at 3:30 to get to the Augustiner tent for a reservation. Kind of regretted it, because it took a number of hours for the atmosphere to really pick up to match that of Schüzenfestzelt’s.

 

I'd have to agree with this. Morning beer drinking has it's place in this world, but the late afternoon going into the evening hours is when it's usually hopping. Plus, no nap necessary

 

Hmm. My first trip was open to close.

I was much younger then.

Day two was a little more laid back.

 

Does this mean my Spaten-branded Bechers and anniversary Krug from the Schützenfestzelt are worth more at the garage sale now?

 

No ticket required... none last year, anyhow!

I've rarely done Saturday sessions... but ALL tents have 4-5 rows of unreserved seating. Get there 11a-12n, get seats, and get the bier flowing! Never hurts to grease the palm of your server a few extra Euros now and then, either.

Will be back for my 37th Fest in September myself...

Prosit!!

 

https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/infor...o-visit-oktoberfest-the-oktoberfest-barometer